November 2024 events in Tokyo

If you’re looking for the most OTT illumination in Tokyo, this is it. Yomiuri Land's annual winter light show will bedazzle even the most jaded illumination-fiend. As the name suggests, jewels are the focus here: literally millions of colourful LEDs are set up throughout the vast theme park evoking sparkling gems. The park is split into ten areas where you will be treated to beautifully lit attractions. 

In addition to the rainbow-lit, 180-metre-long Celebration Promenade and Crystal Passage, you’ll spot two gigantic sparkly Ferris wheels to mark the amusement park's 60th anniversary. The highlight, however, is the fountain show, with water illuminated in different colours and sprayed into the air to create stunning shapes. There are three kinds of show happening every 15 minutes from 5pm daily. Also look out for the fountain’s flames and lasers, which are synchronised to music.

What Museum’s latest exhibit, Synesthesia, is an interactive one. This engaging showcase is the work of a Japanese artist who uses air, water and light to craft mesmerising sculptures that blur the lines between perception and reality. 

With a background in sociology and art education, Akihito Okunaka is inspired by late philosopher Bruno Latour to explore the connections between nature and society through our five senses. Here you get to touch, enter and lie down in a balloon-like installation and feel connected with your surroundings.

The 12-metre in diameter balloon sculpture is weighed down by a water 'bed' and bathed in different light frequencies. This multi-sensorial work promises a visual and tactile experience that blurs the lines between sight and touch. Imagine light refracting through multiple layers of translucent plastic film, creating a kaleidoscope of colours that dance across the surface, all while being swayed gently by the water bed.

This exhibition is closed on Mondays (except October 14, November 4, January 13, February 3 and 24) and New Year holidays.

Every year, hordes of Tokyoites make the exodus out of town to classic autumn leaf watching spots like Kamakura, Nikko and Hakone. However, for those with no time to travel, there are plenty of gardens, parks and museums right here in the city to get your koyo fill from mid-to-late November. Here are our top picks of nightly light-ups, historic retreats and lesser-known viewing locations, all in or close to Tokyo. And for particularly energetic foliage-watchers, we recommend these scenic bike routes and these highlight hikes.